Postdoc in Biomaterials-based Approach for the Creation of Artificial Red Blood Cells

2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Posted about 2 weeks agoExpires on March 01, 2019

A postdoctoral position is available at the Biomimetics, Biocarriers and Bioimplants group (The 3Bs) headed by Assoc. Prof. Leticia Hosta-Rigau, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

The 3Bs is a highly interdisciplinary and positive group with open-minded and supportive members. The 3Bs research lies on the interface of materials science, organic/polymer chemistry together with molecular and cell biology. The research focus areas of the group are drug delivery, tissue engineering and cell mimicry.

The 3Bs are well embedded into the Biopharma division, where multiple young research groups work closely together to create a motivating environment.

With this announced position, we will assemble a haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier to be used when donor blood is not an option or not available.

The position is available as soon as possible.

Responsibilities and tasksBlood is crucial for our survival and the only way to substitute for blood loss occurring during accidents or surgery is by using blood from donors. However, blood transfusions have some limitations and risks: before blood can be transfused, there is a need for typing and matching due to the different blood groups causing fatal delays in emergency situations. Also, blood has a short storage lifetime, which makes it impossible to create large blood supplies to be used in acute disasters such as earthquakes or plane accidents. Furthermore, blood transfusions can help spreading new viral infections, like it happened with HIV in the 80s. Thus, developing a new oxygen-carrier solution for use when red blood cells are neither an option or available persists as one of the foremost important challenges in biomedicine.

The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary project in the interface of polymer chemistry, materials science together with molecular and cell biology.

The research project will be focused in the fabrication of a new class of microcarriers with potential to serve as substitutes for red blood cells.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

Assemble hemoglobin-loaded polymeric carriers

Conduct a thorough characterization of the system by means of several techniques (e.g., optical and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, DLS)

Assess their biocompatibility and potential cell uptake by several relevant cell lines

Conduct an in vivo characterization in murine models

QualificationsThe successful applicant should hold a PhD degree in polymer chemistry, materials science, pharmacy or similar and has a general overview of how to fabricate and characterize drug delivery systems.

Preference will be given to candidates that:

Have a strong background in colloids and interfaces and polymer chemistry

Demonstrate a strong profile for research documented through original publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

We offerDTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employmentThe appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The initial contract will be for one year.

The DTU Health Technology Department located at the so-called “Medicon Valley”, is an international-class research platform where around 300 researchers work together to provide new technology and new solutions to improve the quality of patient care and public health and well-being.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 6,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society, and our 11,200 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government and public agencies.